Cleaning & HouseholdLife Style
If you are a coffee lover, chances are you have a Keurig or other single-use coffee machine in your home. These machines are the ultimate in convenience, and some of us even use them multiple times a day. That’s why it’s important to clean them regularly! Here are some great tips for cleaning your Keurig or any other type of coffee machine.
It’s important to clean each and every part of your Keurig machine to keep bacteria and debris from building up. Start by turning off and unplugging your machine (safety first!). Next, open the part of the machine where you insert the coffee pods. Use a cloth or toothbrush dipped in a vinegar and water solution to wipe down that area thoroughly.
Remove the water tank from the back of the machine (or the side, depending on which model you have). Hold the machine upside down over your sink and give it a few gentle taps. This will shake out any debris that may be stuck inside the machine.
Dump all of the water out of the water tank. It’s time for the real cleaning to begin!
Plug the machine back in. You’re about to begin the descaling process.
Fill the water tank about half full with distilled vinegar. Place a mug where you normally would and begin the brewing cycle.
Repeat Step 5 until all of the vinegar has been used from the tank, dumping the vinegar in the mug after each cycle.
Fill the water tank with water. Place a mug in the correct spot and begin the brew cycle.
Repeat Step 7 until all of the water in the tank has been used. This will ensure that all of the vinegar is being rinsed out of the machine’s system.
Remember to clean the outside of your Keurig machine, as well! You can use a disinfecting wipe, or a solution made from equal parts vinegar and water if you prefer a more natural method.
Repeat these steps at least once a month. If you want your Keurig machine to run properly and be free of bacteria and germs, it’s important to clean it thoroughly on a regular basis.
Having a hard time visualizing this process? You can click here to see video tutorials on how to clean different types of single serve coffee machines, including Keurigs and Nespressos.